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Breathe (Sheffield, England) Mar 2022The continuous and ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highly affected pulmonologists and pulmonology residents worldwide. To identify where... (Review)
Review
The continuous and ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highly affected pulmonologists and pulmonology residents worldwide. To identify where additional work and resources must be focused, it is important to explore on what parameters the pulmonologists and residents are challenged. We present the results of a society-led survey on pulmonologists' and pulmonology residents' work and clinical life during the pandemic. A total of 579 pulmonologists and pulmonology residents completed the survey (5.9% of the European Respiratory Society's physician members) and most respondents answered that they have had sufficient training on how to handle patients with COVID-19 ( how to handle patients to prevent virus spread). However, more than a third of the respondents (n=210, 36.3%) had performed procedures they did not feel competent in due to the pandemic and, for example, relocation to COVID-19 units. We must strive for investment in research on medical education and potentially simulation-based training in technical procedures to ensure competence and decrease the insecurity about new procedures, especially in the setting of worldwide pandemics or acute critical situations.
PubMed: 36338252
DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0001-2022 -
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires Sep 2020
Topics: Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System; Dyspnea; Europe; Humans; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Pulmonary Medicine; Pulmonologists; Respiratory Function Tests; Respiratory Muscles; Sleep Apnea Syndromes
PubMed: 32653337
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2020.06.008 -
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine Jun 2018Rigid bronchoscopy is an invaluable tool for the management of airway disorders and an essential skill for an interventional pulmonologist. Since its introduction in the... (Review)
Review
Rigid bronchoscopy is an invaluable tool for the management of airway disorders and an essential skill for an interventional pulmonologist. Since its introduction in the late 19th century, it has remained an important technique for the management of central airway obstruction, foreign body aspiration and massive hemoptysis. Areas covered: This article will review the history, indications, contraindication, technique and complications of rigid bronchoscopy. We will also briefly discuss the methods of anesthesia and ventilation and finally our perspective on the future of rigid bronchoscopy. Expert commentary: Although the rise of flexible bronchoscopy in the 1960s led to a decline in the use of rigid bronchoscopy, the last two decades have witnessed resurgence in its popularity. We anticipate that it will remain an important tool used by interventional pulmonologists for decades to come. We suggest that interventional pulmonologists must have training and develop expertise in this technique.
Topics: Airway Obstruction; Anesthesia, General; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Bronchoscopes; Bronchoscopy; Contraindications, Procedure; Dilatation; Equipment Design; Foreign Bodies; Hemoptysis; Humans; Hypoxia; Intubation; Lung Neoplasms; Mouth; Myocardial Ischemia; Spinal Cord Injuries; Stents; Tooth Injuries; Trachea; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 29727208
DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2018.1473037 -
Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America Dec 2019Via the emergence of new bronchoscopic technologies and techniques, there is enormous growth in the number of procedures being performed in nonoperating room settings.... (Review)
Review
Via the emergence of new bronchoscopic technologies and techniques, there is enormous growth in the number of procedures being performed in nonoperating room settings. This, coupled with a greater focus from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for mandated anesthesiology oversight of procedural sedation for bronchoscopy by the pulmonologists has led to a more frequent working partnership between interventional pulmonologists and anesthesiologists. This article offers the interventional pulmonologist insight into how the anesthesiologist thinks and approaches anesthetic care delivery.
Topics: Anesthesia; Anesthesiologists; Bronchoscopy; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Pulmonologists
PubMed: 31563422
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2019.08.006 -
BMC Gastroenterology Sep 2023The Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion related to portal hypertension; its diagnosis and therapeutic management may be difficult. The aims of this article are...
BACKGROUND
The Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion related to portal hypertension; its diagnosis and therapeutic management may be difficult. The aims of this article are which follows: To gather the practices of hepatogastroenterologists or pulmonologists practitioners regarding the diagnosis and management of the hepatic hydrothorax.
METHODS
Practitioners from 13 French- speaking countries were invited to answer an online questionnaire on the hepatic hydrothorax diagnosis and its management.
RESULTS
Five hundred twenty-eight practitioners (80% from France) responded to this survey. 75% were hepatogastroenterologists, 20% pulmonologists and the remaining 5% belonged to other specialities. The Hepatic hydrothorax can be located on the left lung for 64% of the responders (66% hepatogastroenterologists vs 57% pulmonologists; p = 0.25); The Hepatic hydrothorax can exist in the absence of clinical ascites for 91% of the responders (93% hepatogastroenterologists vs 88% pulmonologists; p = 0.27). An Ultrasound pleural scanning was systematically performed before a puncture for 43% of the responders (36% hepatogastroenterologists vs 70% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). A chest X-ray was performed before a puncture for 73% of the respondeurs (79% hepatogastroenterologists vs 54% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). In case of a spontaneous bacterial empyema, an albumin infusion was used by 73% hepatogastroenterologists and 20% pulmonologists (p < 0.001). A drain was used by 37% of the responders (37% hepatogastroenterologists vs 31% pulmonologists; p = 0.26).An Indwelling pleural catheter was used by 50% pulmonologists and 22% hepatogastroenterologists (p < 0.01). TIPS was recommended by 78% of the responders (85% hepatogastroenterologists vs 52% pulmonologists; p < 0.001) and a liver transplantation, by 76% of the responders (86% hepatogastroenterologists vs 44% pulmonologists; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this large study provide important data on practices of French speaking hepatogastroenterologists and pulmonologists; it appears that recommendations are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Hydrothorax; Gastroenterologists; Pulmonologists; Pleural Effusion; Hypertension, Portal
PubMed: 37697230
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02931-z -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Jan 2023Pediatric pulmonologists report asthma and obstructive bronchitis in medical records in a variety of ways, and there is no consensus for standardized reporting. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pediatric pulmonologists report asthma and obstructive bronchitis in medical records in a variety of ways, and there is no consensus for standardized reporting.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated which diagnostic labels and features pediatric pulmonologists use to describe obstructive airway disease in children and aimed to reach consensus for standardized reporting.
METHODS
We obtained electronic health records from 562 children participating in the Swiss Pediatric Airway Cohort from 2017 to 2018. We reviewed the diagnosis section of the letters written by pediatric pulmonologists to referring physicians and extracted the terms used to describe the diagnosis. We grouped these terms into diagnostic labels (eg, asthma) and features (eg, triggers) using qualitative thematic framework analysis. We also assessed how frequently the different terms were used. Results were fed into a modified Delphi process to reach consensus on standardized reporting.
RESULTS
Pediatric pulmonologists used 123 different terms to describe the diagnosis, which we grouped into 6 diagnostic labels and 17 features. Consensus from the Delphi process resulted in the following recommendations: (i) to use the diagnostic label "asthma" for children older than 5 years and "obstructive bronchitis" or "suspected asthma" for children younger than 5 years; (ii) to accompany the diagnosis with relevant features: diagnostic certainty, triggers, symptom control, risk of exacerbation, atopy, treatment adherence, and symptom perception.
CONCLUSION
We found great heterogeneity in the reporting of obstructive airway disease among pediatric pulmonologists. The proposed standardized reporting will simplify communication among physicians and improve quality of research based on electronic health records.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Asthma; Physicians; Bronchitis; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Reference Standards
PubMed: 36108926
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.08.050 -
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.) Sep 2022Genetic analysis is emerging for interstitial lung diseases (ILDs); however, ILD practices are not yet standardized. We surveyed patients', relatives' and...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Genetic analysis is emerging for interstitial lung diseases (ILDs); however, ILD practices are not yet standardized. We surveyed patients', relatives' and pulmonologists' experiences and needs on genetic testing in ILD to evaluate the current situation and identify future needs.
METHODS
A clinical epidemiologist (MT) together with members of the ERS taskforce and representatives of the European Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and related disorders Federation (EU-IPFF) patient organisation developed a survey for patients, relatives and pulmonologists. Online surveys consisted of questions on five main topics: awareness of hereditary ILD, the provision of information, genetic testing, screening of asymptomatic relatives and clinical impact of genetic analysis in ILD.
RESULTS
Survey respondents consisted of 458 patients with ILD, 181 patients' relatives and 352 pulmonologists. Most respondents think genetic testing can be useful, particularly for explaining the cause of disease, predicting its course, determining risk for developing disease and the need to test relatives. Informing patients and relatives on genetic analysis is primarily performed by the pulmonologist, but 88% (218) of pulmonologists identify a need for more information and 96% (240) ask for guidelines on genetic testing in ILD. A third of the pulmonologists who would offer genetic testing currently do not offer a genetic test, primarily because they have limited access to genetic tests. Following genetic testing, 72% (171) of pulmonologists may change the diagnostic work-up and 57% (137) may change the therapeutic approach.
CONCLUSION
This survey shows that there is wide support for implementation of genetic testing in ILD and a high need for information, guidelines and access to testing among patients, their relatives and pulmonologists.
Topics: Genetic Testing; Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Pulmonologists; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35652243
DOI: 10.1111/resp.14303 -
Panminerva Medica Sep 2019In clinical practice, interventional pulmonologists face several situations which can lead to dramatic consequences especially regarding ventilation and require... (Review)
Review
In clinical practice, interventional pulmonologists face several situations which can lead to dramatic consequences especially regarding ventilation and require immediate intervention. We describe the main pathological conditions where an urgent bronchoscopy is crucial because they act through mechanisms such as airway obstructions or alteration of the anatomic integrity of the tracheobronchial tree. We point out the problems resulting from inhalation of foreign bodies, one of the most dramatic respiratory emergencies typical in childhood which needs not only the appropriate endoscopic equipment suitable for the age, but also great experience in the management of the possible related complications. Massive hemoptysis is then discussed in order to help to choose the right endoscope and to clarify the steps requested to face this dramatic event. Lastly, iatrogenic tracheal injuries are described, in spite of their low occurrence. The correct endoscopic assessment of the lesions enables to select the proper multidisciplinary therapeutic approach together with surgeons and anesthetists. Due to their peculiarities, emergencies do not allow classic training so it is difficult to estimate the procedure volume necessary to achieve an adequate endoscopic experience. We think, in this field, it is advisable to refer to numbers proposed for elections endoscopic procedures. For these reasons, we consider desirable the use of simulators and clinic case discussions during interventional pulmonologist's training.
Topics: Bronchoscopes; Bronchoscopy; Clinical Competence; Emergencies; Emergency Medicine; Endoscopy; Foreign Bodies; Foreign-Body Reaction; Hemoptysis; Humans; Inhalation; Pulmonary Medicine; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30303356
DOI: 10.23736/S0031-0808.18.03543-7 -
The European Respiratory Journal May 2023Few studies have investigated the collaborative potential between artificial intelligence (AI) and pulmonologists for diagnosing pulmonary disease. We hypothesised that...
BACKGROUND
Few studies have investigated the collaborative potential between artificial intelligence (AI) and pulmonologists for diagnosing pulmonary disease. We hypothesised that the collaboration between a pulmonologist and AI with explanations (explainable AI (XAI)) is superior in diagnostic interpretation of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) than the pulmonologist without support.
METHODS
The study was conducted in two phases, a monocentre study (phase 1) and a multicentre intervention study (phase 2). Each phase utilised two different sets of 24 PFT reports of patients with a clinically validated gold standard diagnosis. Each PFT was interpreted without (control) and with XAI's suggestions (intervention). Pulmonologists provided a differential diagnosis consisting of a preferential diagnosis and optionally up to three additional diagnoses. The primary end-point compared accuracy of preferential and additional diagnoses between control and intervention. Secondary end-points were the number of diagnoses in differential diagnosis, diagnostic confidence and inter-rater agreement. We also analysed how XAI influenced pulmonologists' decisions.
RESULTS
In phase 1 (n=16 pulmonologists), mean preferential and differential diagnostic accuracy significantly increased by 10.4% and 9.4%, respectively, between control and intervention (p<0.001). Improvements were somewhat lower but highly significant (p<0.0001) in phase 2 (5.4% and 8.7%, respectively; n=62 pulmonologists). In both phases, the number of diagnoses in the differential diagnosis did not reduce, but diagnostic confidence and inter-rater agreement significantly increased during intervention. Pulmonologists updated their decisions with XAI's feedback and consistently improved their baseline performance if AI provided correct predictions.
CONCLUSION
A collaboration between a pulmonologist and XAI is better at interpreting PFTs than individual pulmonologists reading without XAI support or XAI alone.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Pulmonologists; Respiratory Function Tests; Lung Diseases
PubMed: 37080566
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01720-2022 -
Chest Oct 2023Climate change adversely impacts global health. Increasingly, temperature variability, inclement weather, declining air quality, and growing food and clean water supply... (Review)
Review
Climate change adversely impacts global health. Increasingly, temperature variability, inclement weather, declining air quality, and growing food and clean water supply insecurities threaten human health. Earth's temperature is projected to increase up to 6.4 °C by the end of the 21st century, exacerbating the threat. Public and health care professionals, including pulmonologists, perceive the detrimental effects of climate change and air pollution and support efforts to mitigate its effects. In fact, evidence is strong that premature cardiopulmonary death is associated with air pollution exposure via inhalation through the respiratory system, which functions as a portal of entry. However, little guidance is available for pulmonologists in recognizing the effects of climate change and air pollution on the diverse range of pulmonary disorders. To educate and mitigate risk for patients competently, pulmonologists must be armed with evidence-based findings of the impact of climate change and air pollution on specific pulmonary diseases. Our goal is to provide pulmonologists with the background and tools to improve patients' health and to prevent adverse outcomes despite climate change-imposed threats. In this review, we detail current evidence of climate change and air pollution impact on a diverse range of pulmonary disorders. Knowledge enables a proactive and individualized approach toward prevention strategies for patients, rather than merely treating ailments reactively.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Allergens; Climate Change; Pulmonologists; Lung Diseases
PubMed: 37054776
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.04.009